Meandering Around Town #28: Gathering Together to Give “Thanks” in the Gables
Right: Family & friends at the home of Maria & Mike Henry on Country Club Prado
left: The Dowlen and Brumbaugh families
Thanksgiving is one of America’s longest observed and favorite family holidays. Debate still rages between Plymouth Colony, Jamestown, and St. Augustine as to when and where the first such celebration was shared between European settlers and native residents. It was not until December of 1941 (shortly after war had been declared against Japan and Germany) that Congress officially established the fourth Thursday of November as “Thanksgiving Day” in the United States.
Today, the tradition of families and friends gathering to give “thanks” and seek “God’s blessings” is alive and well in Coral Gables. Would there be any better place to seek the “soul” of our community than at any one of the various Thanksgiving dinners that were held at homes throughout the city? The photos which accompany this article represent a very small but representative sample of the many celebrations which took place this past November here in our hometown.
As Dr. Lon Dowlen observed: “Near the top of the ‘thanks’ list in this household is that six generations of our family have had the privilege of living here in the City Beautiful.” Cristina O’Naghten reflected: “With my family’s historic roots in Cuba, we are thankful to be living in this welcoming country and, especially, in this great city.” Ceci Slesnick responded: “Besides being grateful for the blessings in our lives, we are also thankful to live in a community that is rich with opportunities for growth through arts, culture and education.”
Where better than to search for the “soul” of our city than amongst the families gathered around their bountiful Thanksgiving dinner tables?
In closing, let me offer a thought from Henry David Thoreau: “I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.”
P.S.: Let me not forget to humbly “THANK” each of you for reading this holiday remembrance.
This column appears monthly by Don Slesnick, who served as mayor of Coral Gables from 2001 to 2011. If you wish to reach him with suggestions on where he should next meander in search of the city’s soul, emaildonslesnick@scllp.com.